The Couture Dress

From creating a muslin to adjusting fit and hand-stitching hems, Couturier Susan Khalje guides you step-by-step through couture sewing techniques!

Stop searching the ready-to-wear racks and learn how to sew a dress that fits like a dream! Once Susan Khalje teaches you these essential couture sewing techniques, you will have the skills to adapt the included Vogue pattern to create whatever dress you need - a swingy summer sleeveless, a classic winter-weight sheath with three-quarter sleeves or an elegant cocktail dress in seasonless black lace. Susan will help you construct a muslin and transfer the modifications to your pattern for a perfect fit, discover the magic of underlinings, achieve perfect set-in sleeves and finish your dress with flawless details like a hand-picked zipper.

Lesson 14. Lining

Lesson 15. Finishing Touches

"Susan Khalje is a wonderful teacher, who shares both her extraordinary knowledge and love of exquisite couture sewing in the most welcoming and confidence-building manner. I barely felt like I was taking this course online - it was as if Susan were in the room with me! The Craftsy platform makes it so easy to review techniques, take notes, take lessons over and over, and ask questions. Quite simply, this course changed the way I sew - and I love and enjoy it more than ever now!" - FiftydressesPennsylvania

Lesson 14. Lining

Lesson 15. Finishing Touches

Susan Khalje, Instructor of The Couture Dress

Couturier and author Susan Khalje received her professional training at the New York couture salon Chez Cez et Bez, and worked as a fashion designer and manufacturing supervisor on Seventh Avenue. The author of two books on fine garment sewing, Linen and Cotton and Bridal Couture, Susan established The Couture Sewing School in 1993 to teach fine sewing techniques across the country, and she annually takes a group of students to Paris for an insider's look at the couture arts. Susan, who lives and works in Baltimore, was recently honored with the Association of Sewing and Design Professionals' Lifetime Achievement Award.

Ratings & reviews

Class rating

(253 reviews)

2nd Time Around

by BrendaHUz on February 21, 2015

I followed Susan in creating a garment but now, a year later I'm reviewing steps as I make something for my daughter. I've learned so much and what I forgot was easily found.

I followed Susan in creating a garment but now, a year later I'm reviewing steps as I make something for my daughter. I've learned so much and what I forgot was easily found.

Couture dress

by dardensch1562003 on January 20, 2015

Thank you for such an amazing experience. Susan is a wonderful teacher. She left nothing out. My finished dress is the most comfortable dress I own! Thank you so much. I learned more than I could have imagined and am a better seamstress for it. If you are serious about learning to sew a garment, then this class is a must!

Diane Scholl

Thank you for such an amazing experience. Susan is a wonderful teacher. She left nothing out. My finished dress is the most comfortable dress I own! Thank you so much. I learned more than I could have imagined and am a better seamstress for it. If you are serious about learning to sew a garment, then this class is a must!

Diane Scholl

Excellent

by Kehly on January 19, 2015

All levels of sewist can enjoy this class. Delivered with confidence and obvious experienced.

All levels of sewist can enjoy this class. Delivered with confidence and obvious experienced.

Very Thorough And Easy To Understand

by Sewing something on January 9, 2015

I am really enjoying Susan's lessons so far in this course. She delivers each lesson in such an engaging and informative fashion. Lots of extra hints and advice that make this class a real winner. Woo hoo let's get sewing!

I am really enjoying Susan's lessons so far in this course. She delivers each lesson in such an engaging and informative fashion. Lots of extra hints and advice that make this class a real winner. Woo hoo let's get sewing!

Included with this class:

Vogue Easy Options Misses Dress Pattern

A classic and versatile lined dress to fit any body type. Includes a fitted bust and princess seams for a flattering fit, with options for different sleeve lengths and a circular or straight skirt with a back slit. Can be made in almost any fabric to create the perfect summer, fall, or winter weight dress.

Pattern size measurements:

SIZE

6

8

10

12

Bust

30.5in (73cm)

31.5in (75cm)

32.5in (78cm)

34in (81cm)

SIZE

14

16

18

20

22

Chest

36in (87cm)

38in (92cm)

40n (97cm)

42in (102cm)

44in (107cm)

This pattern will be shipped directly to you by Vogue Patterns. Please allow 14 business days for U.S. shipments (international shipments will require additional time for delivery).